Lakeland

Located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland, Florida is a thriving community rich with Southern charm. The history and culture of Lakeland is rich, dating back to the mid 19th Century. During the Spanish-American War, the area around Lakeland was used to house troops and it wasn’t until after the war ended that Lakeland began to develop and experience significant growth in commerce and tourism. Today, Lakeland is home to just under 100,000 residents, and maintains the same historical charm that it always has, even though the city is well endowed with restaurants, attractions, shopping, and more. Convenient to Interstate 4 and Highway 570, Lakeland has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. As the name suggests, the land around the city of Lakeland is comprised of several lakes, streams, and bodies of water. For Lakeland residents, the waterways are iconic, and serve as reference points when traveling through the area. Since the early 20th Century, the lakes around Lakeland have been famous for the abundance of swans that migrated to the area. Mid-century, the swans were but a memory as pets and alligators had eradicated the beautiful creatures. Residents sorrowed over the loss, with one even writing to Queen Elizabeth about the swans. As a result, two of the royal swans were captured and sent to Lakeland by the Queen’s order. Today, royal-descendent swans still flourish in the waters around Lakeland.